Co-op closure confirmed - this is when Oswestry branch will shut

The Co-op has confirmed that its branch in Cabin Lane in Oswestry, which also has a post office, will be shutting in July.

“We carry-out reviews of our existing store locations, and sometimes, and only after very careful consideration, do we take the decision to close a store,” said a Co-op spokesperson.

“It is important that reviews of stores are carried out across our estate to ensure the viability of locations.

“We understand that this decision will not be welcomed by all, so we are sorry for any inconvenience this will cause and would like to thank the community for its support of our Cabin Lane store during the time it has been there.

“It is our priority to fully support our Cabin Lane colleagues. Post Office Limited know the store is closing and it is now a decision for them to whether they seek another operator in the area, and to assess post office provision locally.

“We have another Co-op store nearby on Victoria Road, Oswestry, and we remain committed to serving and supporting Shropshire communities with stores across the county.”

The closure of the shop’s post office will be a hammer blow for people in the town, especially as there’s uncertainty as to what is going to happen to the main branch in Willow Street.

It is one of 115 branches under threat as the Post Office looks at options for its whole-owned sites, which currently employ about 1,000 people and are making a loss.

It is hoped that the Oswestry branch could be kept open, with the Post Office inviting expressions of interest.

Speaking in Parliament, North Shropshire MP, Helen Morgan said the branch serves a vast rural area that is digitally excluded.

“The full range of Crown Post Office services are absolutely essential,” said Mrs Morgan.

“Can the Minister provide some assurance that the full range of Crown Post Office services will remain in Oswestry and that the Post Office will take into account the fact that it is so important to retain these vital services in rural areas which are being deserted by commercial organisations like banks?”

Gareth Thomas MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports, replied: “I absolutely am clear that we have, as a government, a continuing responsibility, which we recognise and accept, to make sure Post Office services are available to every community across the UK, that there is easy access to a Post Office branch in rural areas and in urban areas alike. And we remain committed to doing that. Absolutely.

“As I’ve said earlier, no decision has been taken on to close any individual directly managed branch. But it is right that the Post Office looks at all its costs if we’re going to achieve an increase in sub postmaster pay going forward.

“And in that regard and her wider point, it’s important that the Post Office management this time, because previous management teams haven’t always done so, consults properly with sub postmasters, with trade unions and with other stakeholders.”

A petition to save Oswestry Post Office can be found at helenmorgan.org.uk/oswestry-postoffice